the nra is also lobbying to put armed guards or police in schools. executive vice president wayne la pierre. >> its if's crazy to call for putting police and armed security in our schools to protect our children, then call me crazy. i'll tell you what the american people-- i think the american people think it's crazy not to do it. >> reporter: but the american public is showing a new willingness to tighten gun control laws. in a cbs news poll conducted after the fatal newtown shooting 57% of americans said that gun control laws should be more strict. that's the highest level of support in a decade. and may provide renewed support for politicians willing to challenge the powerful nra lobby. >> new york senator chuck schumer criticized the nra vice president's argument that any attempt at gun restrictions is bound to fail. >> well, i think he's so extreme and so tone deaf that he actually helps the cause of us passing sensible gun legislation in the congress. >> reporter: a number of democratic congressman have pledged to consider reintroducing an assa